Sec.29-262-5b. Residential building inspector duties and minimum qualifications

(a) The residential building inspector performs the following duties under the direction of the building official or the assistant building official:

(1) Reviews, analyzes and evaluates preliminary and final construction plans of one-and two-family detached dwellings and one-family townhouses and their accessory structures for compliance with applicable codes adopted as a portion of the State Building Code, referenced standards and other related regulations prior to the issuance of building permits;

(2) Passes upon any question relative to the mode, manner of construction or materials to be used in the erection, repair, addition or alteration of one- and two-family detached dwellings and one-family townhouses and their accessory structures pursuant to the provisions of applicable codes adopted as a portion of the State Building Code and in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department of Public Safety;

(3) Requires compliance with applicable codes adopted as a portion of the State Building Code; with all regulations lawfully adopted thereunder; and with laws relating to the construction, repair, addition, alteration, removal, demolition, integral equipment, location, use, occupancy and maintenance of one-and two-family detached dwellings and one-family townhouses and their accessory structures, except as may otherwise be provided;

(4) Explains applicable codes and standards to contractors, architects, developers, engineers, property owners and other interested parties; and

(5) Enforces the correction of violations of applicable codes and standards at the scene of the installation by dealing directly with building owners, agents and contractors to achieve compliance with such codes, referenced standards and other related regulations.

(b) The minimum qualifications of a residential building inspector are as follows:

(1) Completion of high school, vocational school or the equivalent;

(2) Possession of least five (5) years of experience in the construction, design or supervision of the construction of one- and two-family detached dwellings and one-family townhouses;

(3) Be generally informed regarding the quality and strength of building materials, the accepted requirements of building construction, the accepted requirements for light and ventilation, the accepted requirements for safe exit facilities and other items of equipment essential for the safety, comfort and convenience of occupants of one-and two-family detached dwellings and one-family townhouses and their accessory structures; and

(4) Demonstration of the following:

(A) Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications of one-and two-family detached dwellings and one-family townhouses and their accessory structures;

(B) Ability to recognize faulty construction and unsafe conditions in new and existing one- and two-family detached dwellings and one-family townhouses and their accessory structures; and

(C) Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

(c) Each residential building inspector shall attend a minimum of sixty (60) hours of approved continuing education programs over consecutive three-year periods.

(Adopted effective March 27, 2003; Amended July 1, 2005)